"A little dab will do you," is an often heard
advertising slogan for Brylcream hairdressing. There are many people who
obviously think of saving faith in these same terms, for they have nothing more
than a "little dab" of religion.

An alarming trend toward nominal Christianity is
increasing. It is made up of people who have become members of the church whose
participation in the Lord's work goes little further than attending fairly
regularly on Sunday mornings and giving financially what they consider a fair
amount for "admission" to the services.

Though they are not Bible students, they usually consider
themselves qualified to be critics of the preaching and program of work. While
they may not visit the sick and wayward themselves, they become offended if no
attention is given them while they are ill. Regardless of the fact that they
are not actively participating in the work of the church, they usually consider
themselves faithful because "a little dab will do you."

There is hardly a more effective instrument of the devil
in destroying zeal and fervor than "name only" Christianity. It not
only deceives the indifferent member into thinking his salvation is secure, it
also is cancerous in nature spreading from one member to another.

Myriads of people are looking for an easy way to heaven,
and this "Brylcream Religion" appeals to them. It satisfies their
conscience and allow them to be saved (they think) on the "lay away
plan" -- when it is convenient.

CHRISTIANITY INVOLVES DOING.

The person with this attitude never comprehends true
Christianity, nor does he ever receive the full benefits of its blessings. The
"pure religion and undefiled" of James 1:27 involves DOING. The real
joy of being a Christian can be realized only by "visiting the fatherless
and widows in their affliction"; not by delegating the work to the
preacher or somebody else. The greatest thrill in seeing others obey the gospel
is shared by the one who has had a personal hand in converting the lost soul;
not in waiting for others to teach them. Though having visitors when ill brings
comfort, there is a more abundant sense of pleasure felt by the person doing
the visiting. The deepest inspiration or edification from worship is obtained
by those who participate in the singing, teaching, or bountiful giving; not by
those who have come to "enjoy the services" as spectators. Not only
does the person with a "little dab" of religion fail to reap the
great joys of Christianity in this life, he will also lose his soul eternally.

The Bible teaches that Christians are to seek God first
in their lives. (Mt. 6:33) The life of a Christian involves daily service, not
part time activity. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of
God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God,
which is your reasonable service" (Rom. 12:1). A living sacrifice
describes active and interested participation. It is impossible to be a
faithful Christian without belonging wholly to the Lord and His cause.
"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which
is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought
with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are
God's." (1 Cor. 6:19,20). Other statements show our manner of labor,
"...always abound in the work of the Lord..." (1 Cor. 15: 58), and
"...to be ready to every good work" (Titus 3:1).

"LITTLE DAB" WON'T DO.

The average Christian is familiar with the above
passages, but in application he tends to omit himself from their pointed
meaning. We know that a "little dab" of religion would not be
sufficient for the preacher or leaders of the church but through some
unexplained way, we feel we can enter the pearly gates with this small amount.
By inspiration of God James was addressing Christians when he wrote, "But
be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For
if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding
his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way and
straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the
perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful
hearer, but a doer of the word, this man shall be blessed in his deed"
(Jas. 1:22,23). Let us not confuse a slogan for hairdressing with the word of
God. Hairdressing is only for the head--not for the soul.